First impressions

This is how committed Austin homeowners are to keeping up curb appeal

Austinites love a cozy backyard where the green grass grows.

Photo courtesy of J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

Austin's tremendous growth over the years has brought a boom in residential development. There are beautiful homes to be found throughout the area, and Austin homeowners are among the best in the country at maintaining their curb appeal — or at least the most committed.

So says Thumbtack's 2024 list of the top 10 cities with the best curb appeal in the country, which ranks Austin No. 2 for the second consecutive year. The study was based on an analysis of curb appeal projects from August 2023 to August 2024, which was ranked by project frequency.

Maintaining beauty doesn't come cheap. Thumbtack, a home services website, found that Austinites should budget nearly $3,600 for their autumn outdoor projects – such as gutter cleanings, sprinkler system winterization, tree trimming, lawn fertilizing, and more.

The report also made suggestions for outdoor weatherization projects, which Austinites should heed now that Texas winters are less predictable due to climate change, they say.

"To protect your home from rain, cold, and snow, we recommend sealing your deck, caulking gaps, and insulating doors and windows," the report's author wrote. "These steps help keep warm air in and moisture out, ensuring your home’s exterior is ready for winter."

Homeowners who want to make a big impression with their lawn next spring should start working on it this fall, they say. Projects like overseeding and aerating the yard, regular weeding, and pruning shrubs, trees, and perennials ahead of the winter months will help improve curb appeal for the next year, according to the report.

But if a homeowner prefers the trendy look of a less manicured (yet still green) yard, we're not here to judge. Leaving more room for greenery in the backyard can make a home look more lush.

What it all costs
Of course, service costs are a major factor when determining how much to budget for these projects. The national average cost estimate for tree trimming can ring up at $718, while pressure washing or shrub trimming can easily cost over $300.

"Some projects like leaf cleanup and fertilizing can be DIYed, but others like gutter cleaning and tree trimming should be left to the pros to avoid costly, and dangerous mistakes," the report said. "Bundling home projects like aerating, fertilizing, weeding, and overseeding with a lawn care professional can also help you save money as you plan ahead."

In 2023, Thumbtack estimated Austin homeowners would spend up to $15,627 for the year to boost their curb appeal on "medium-sized" home improvement projects like garage door or gutter replacements. For multiple large-scale projects – such as exterior repainting, property fence replacement, or sprinkler system installations – costs could add up to $25,000 in Austin. (No such annual figure was given in the new report.)

The only city to outrank Austin with the best curb appeal in 2024 is Atlanta, Georgia, which claimed No. 1 for the second year in a row. Elsewhere in Texas, Dallas' curb appeal improved over the last year to land the city in the No. 4 spot.

The top 10 cities with the best curb appeal are:

No. 1 – Atlanta, Georgia
No. 2 – Austin, Texas
No. 3 – Charlotte, North Carolina
No. 4 – Dallas, Texas
No. 5 – Washington, D.C.
No. 6 – Denver, Colorado
No. 7 – Tampa, Florida
No. 8 – Orlando, Florida
No. 9 – Seattle, Washington
No. 10 – Raleigh, North Carolina

The full report can be found on thumbtack.com.

austin beautiful homes curb appeal home design reports trends

Closure News

Furniture chain American Freight closing Austin and all other stores

American Freight

There's a big sale going on at American Freight.

There's a huge sale on furniture going down right now, but for a sad reason: American Freight, a chain of furniture stores operating in dozens of states, is permanently shuttering all 328 locations, due to “sustained inflation and macroeconomic challenges,” according to its parent company.

That includes one store in Austin, at 13435 N. Highway 183, Ste. 101.

The closing comes after its parent company, Franchise Group, Inc., filed for bankruptcy protection, according to documents filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

Store closing sales began on November 5, both online and at its 328 locations. Hilco Consumer-Retail is managing these sales for American Freight as the business winds down its operations nationwide. Significant discounts are being offered on the brand's full assortment of inventory.

Shoppers can save up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices storewide. Available items include living room sets, bedroom furniture, dining tables, and a selection of scratch & dent and new in-box appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and dryers.

New inventory is arriving and expected to move quickly, so customers should take advantage of this prime opportunity to enjoy exceptional deals before it's too late.

"Our goal is to deliver outstanding value to customers during this full chain closing sale," said Ian Fredericks, CEO of Hilco Consumer-Retail. "Everything is on sale and must be sold, and we recommend shopping early for the best selection."

During the store closing sales, select American Freight financing and delivery services will remain available to customers, presenting a unique opportunity to shop exceptional discounts with the convenience of flexible payment and home delivery.

The chain has 39 stores in Texas.

Sale Details
They're offering up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices on furniture, scratch & dent, and new in-box appliances. Discounts are valid in stores and online. All sales are final, of course. Shop now for the best selection while supplies last.

closings